“Burn” is a song that never found mainstream success for The Sisters of Mercy, but was key in the development of the band and the direction they eventually moved toward.

Lyrics from the song became the title of their second EP “The Reptile House” which Andrew Eldritch retrospectively called the band’s “finest hour” describing it as “serious” and “perverse.” He also openly admitted that many found it inaccessible due to the intentionally muddy and layered mix that obscured the lead lines of the various tracks.

I believe that “Burn,” however, is a song that should be more accessible for people to appreciate and discover. While the lyrics are abstract and metaphorical, they’re also very biting in how they might be interpreted as a critique on our society, both socially and politically.

In my version I decided to enhance the snake charmer quality that the guitar line in the original hinted at and gave the song a full arrangement of assorted Indian instruments. I think it enhances the inherent intrigue and mystical qualities beyond what a standard rock outfit could achieve. Also, with apologies to Andrew, I definitely chose not to obscure the lead lines!

I hope you enjoy “Burn” whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original, or coming to it for the first time through me. It’s a fine piece of writing and it was both an honor and a pleasure for me to put my own spin on it.